Nutritionist suggests easy ways to keep your weight and immunity in check

Easy ways to keep your weight and immunity in check (Picture Credit: Pexels)

Festivals bring with them shimmering outfits, glowing skin, and endless parties; and, let’s admit it, the inevitable indulgence. Between back-to-back celebrations, midnight feasts, and irresistible sweets, our waistlines and gut health often take a hit. After weeks of celebration, returning to balance feels daunting, but it’s not impossible. With mindful eating, gentle movement, and a little “gut love,” you can bounce back feeling energized and in control.

We plan our poojas, outfits, and guest lists with precision, yet our health plans often fall to the bottom of the list. Nutritionist Karishmma Chawla believes that real festive recovery starts from within. Your gut health determines not just your digestion but your glow, mood, and energy.

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She opines, “By feeding it right, sleeping well, and moving your body you can keep the immunity squad in shape. Thank yourself when flu season meets festive season and you walk through it untouched. Inside your gut live trillions of microscopic organisms’ working day and night to keep your digestion, energy, and immunity in check. But here’s the catch: they need your help. When you feed your gut right, these tiny troops grow stronger, inflammation settles down, and your body becomes more forgiving even if you accidentally demolish a plate of deep-fried goodies tomorrow. Your healing today protects you tomorrow. Gut karma is real.”

Feed your gut, not just your cravings:

After a festive binge, your gut is often overworked. The antidote lies not in restriction but in nourishment. Chawla explains that a “rainbow plate” is the simplest way to restore balance. She adds, “Are you really eating all colours of fruits and vegetables every day? That’s why your gut feels like it’s stuck in a beige diet limbo. The solution is a rainbow plate. Each colour fuels a different set of gut warriors. Try one new vegetable every week until August. And don’t forget your proteins — 3 servings a day keeps your detox pathways open, your immune system sharp, and your hormones from throwing tantrums.”

So instead of turning to detox teas or extreme cleanses, fill your plate with fresh greens, citrus fruits, beets, and lean protein. This kind of balanced, colorful eating fuels your gut microbiome and keeps your immunity firing on all cylinders.

Move, rest, and reset:

Move your body, hydrate, eat real food, and get enough rest. The goal is sustainability, not perfection. Movement, Chawla says, is your “daily insurance policy.” She recommends, “Walk, stretch and dance in your living room and get a dose of natural sunlight when you can. Eat your dinner before 6:30 PM because your gut likes routine, and it loves when you honour the sun’s rhythm. Throw in a small gratitude prayer before meals—it sets your body in ‘rest and digest’ mode. Movement is your daily insurance policy. It builds metabolic resilience so that even when you eat less-than-perfectly (because let’s be real, it’ll happen), your body knows how to handle it.” Sleep, too, plays a powerful role in recovery. Sleep on time, because it’s your liver’s golden hour to clean up. You’ll see the difference in your skin, cravings, emotions, and energy.

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FAQs on how to keep gut health in check post festive season:

1. Why is gut health often affected after the festive season?
During festive times, people tend to consume more rich, sugary, and processed foods, which can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in the gut and cause digestive issues.

2. What are simple ways to restore gut health post festivities?
Eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, drinking plenty of water, and incorporating fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut can help restore healthy gut bacteria.

3. Should I avoid certain foods to help my gut recover?
Limiting processed foods, excessive sugar, alcohol, and fried items can reduce inflammation and allow your gut to heal and rebalance.

4. Can probiotics help improve gut health after indulgence?
Yes, probiotics can support the growth of beneficial bacteria and improve digestion, especially after periods of overeating or unhealthy food choices.

5. How important is hydration for gut health recovery?
Staying well-hydrated aids digestion and helps flush out toxins, making it essential for gut recovery and overall digestive wellness.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.